Time is right for cheap vacations
Posted By ROBIN ROBINSON, SUN MEDIA
Posted 2 months ago
We've all heard the pitch: " ere's never been a better time to ..." But when it comes to travel this year and next, experts agree it's actually true.
The cklustre performance of world economies has weakened demand for travel and resulted in deals not seen in decades.
And the rength of the Canadian dollar makes getting away even more affordable whether you are looking for a bargain on a winter break or aspiring to a luxury vacation that is suddenly in reach.
We all know a strong loonie makes U. S. getaways more attractive (more on that in later issues) but there has also never been a better time to:
VISIT BRITAIN
Canadians interested in travelling to Britain would be "loonie not to go" now or in the very near future, says Christopher Rodrigues, the chairman of VisitBritain.
Rodrigues says the strength of the Canadian dollar against the British pound coupled with a worldwide slump in tourism has made a trip to Britain more a ordable for than it has been in decades.
But he cautions the best travel deals will be this year and in 2010.
As world economies improve, prices for accommodations, transportation and dining will rebound.
In this difficult market, "one of the challenges in attracting visitors is we've been around awhile and people know we'll be around. But these prices may not be around," Rodrigues says.
Right now, "Brits don't have as much money to throw around," Rodrigues says. "Restaurants have had to cut prices to compete in local markets and visitors bene t."
As a result, for 25 to 30 pounds (about $45-$55) "visitors can dine in some of the best restaurants in London," something that was unheard of a few years ago, Rodrigues says.
VisitBritain's new website -- britainforless.ca-- has details on a ordable travel.
EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Tourist towns near the border with the U. S. have suffered a triple whammy in recent years. e recession, new passport rules and a strong Canadian dollar have kept Americans at home.
According to statistics from Ontario Tourism, from January to June 2009 the number of American visitors to Ontario fell 7.9% compared with the same period in 2008.
Some of the losses have been o set by an increase in Canadian visitors cashing in on deals for hotels, dining and attractions in places hard hit by the downturn such as Niagara Falls.
Many of us think of the Falls as a summer getaway but there are enough year-round attractions to make it a fun long weekend for families, couples or friends.
New this year is Rink at the Brink -- an outdoor skating rink 18 metres wide by 36 metres long -- that will open Nov. 23 behind Table Rock Centre near the edge of the Horseshoe Falls.
Part of the annual Winter Festival of Lights -- which transforms Niagara into a frosty wonderland -- the rink will be enclosed by clear panels that can be removed weather permitting.
"It's going to be a huge hit with both local residents and visitors to Niagara Falls," Festival chairman Joe Miszk said.
The rink will be open from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m. until Feb. 28. Admission is $8 for adults, $5.75 for children.
The Niagara Falls Tourism website -- niagarafallstourism.com-- has information and links to getaway packages from $89.
SAIL AWAY
When it comes to cruise bargains, "2009 will be remembered as the year of the deal," predicts Stuart MacDonald, founder and CEO of Tripharbour.ca,Canada's largest online cruise booking and planning site.
"Pricing year over year is 30% to 40% lower," MacDonald says, adding that while it's the "best of times for passengers" it's the "worst of times" for cruise lines.
Before the recession, cruise lines were expanding. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, demand for cruises grew an average of 7.4% per year from 1980 to 2008.
Cruise lines responded to the increased demand by ordering new ships, MacDonald says. And many of those new liners started hitting the waves during the economic bust this year and last. Others are scheduled to launch in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
While record numbers of Canadians, Europeans and Asians continue to head out to sea, Americans have stayed close to their own backyards, MacDonald says.
MacDonald sees the deep discounts continuing through 2009 and into early 2010 but cautions they won't last much longer than that. He says right now Mayan Riviera and Caribbean itineraries, and luxury cruises are particularly well priced.
One example being advertised on Tripharbour.cais an 11-night Mayan Riviera cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. Sailing Feb. 22 roundtrip from San Diego, fares start at $589 per person for an inside cabin. (All prices are pre-tax and based on double occupancy.)
robin.robinson@sunmedia.ca
